Adams County, Ohio - Chapter 19, 1880

Chapter 19

This township was formed at the reorganization of the townships in 1S03. It then had the following boundaries: Beginning at the mouth of Island creek on the Ohio river, thence up tinriver to the mouth of Brush creek, thence with the high land b< tween Brush creek and Lick Fork, till it strikes the east line Wayne township, thence south along said line till if strikes i north-east corner of Sprigg township, thence south along Die c line thereof to the place of beginning. Since that time seve important changes have been made in its boundary lines. It w named in honor of Edward Tiffin, then Governor of (he Stale.

Surface

Tiffin township, as well as the whole of Adams county, w doubtlessly once a level plain. This is evident from the even an horizontal position of the layers or strata of the rocks. The regularity of their stratification shows conclusively that they were deposited iiUquiet waters, and they lay in an unbrokeb strata that covered the whole land.

This level plain has been furrowed with the valleys we now sec, wholly by the excavating power of water, that lias cut down through the rocky strata, until the country presents the appearance of the endWsr succession of hills and valleys that we now see. The present configuration of the country is caused by artificial means. j

While no considerable streams pass through this township, two or three creeks have their source or head springs within its limits. The highest spring of Beasley's Fork is near the old factory building in West Union. Flowing southward, increasing in volume by the added waters of other spriugs along its course, it becomes a considerable creek, and finally empties .into Ohio Brush creek, opposite the farm of Nathan Foster, in Greene township.

Tltero is another strong spring, about a mile north of the llAlmes spring, known ns the Stroman spring. This was once a noted deer lick, and is generally considered the source of Lick Fork, and which gave name to the latter creek.

Eari.T Settlers

Jacob Trober. who came in 1797, nnd sett led in Lick Fork, where his grandson, William Trcbtfr, how lives, was among the very-first that settled in the township. Among others who were here whou lie came or who arrived soon after he did. were Andrew Ellison, who settled about half a mile south-west of him, and built the stone house now owned by Simon Fields; Daniel Collicn who settled on Brush creek, on the farm now owned by bis son-in-law, Andrew Ellison ; Duncan McKenzie, who settled a little lower down than Collier ; Lewis Piatt and a few others.

Another settlement was made in the neighborhood of Killintown. about 1800. Among these settlers were James Ellison, James, Hubert and Jonathan Ralston ; Job Denning, Joseph Eylar. Adam Hempiemaii, John Killin, who afterwards laid off Killinstown ; Devorn Clary .-anti Jacob tintt, who died at the age of 104 vears; Samuel Compton, who came in 1802; George Harper nnd David Collins. Harper located adjoining West Union on the north side. The property is now owned by Salathiel Sparks. Collins settled south of the village.

There are within (the limits of Tiffin township, twelve churches, as follows: tine Presbyterian, three Methodist Episcopal, one Methodist Protestant, one Baptist, one United Presbyterian. thrc> Ch istinn Union, one United Brethren, one Christian church.

We have, by the assistance of some of these churches, been able to gither their history, which we give in onr work, whilst others have rendered us no aid, nnd therefore their histories are necessarily left out, because we could uot obtain it.

Post Offices

There are two Post offices. West Union and Osman. The history of the former is given fully, but there is no data to give the history of Osman.

Jons Treber - Was born in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, from whence he emigrated to Limestone - now Mnysville, Kentucky, in 1794 or '95. From that place he removed in 1797 to Adams county, and settled the farm now owned by his grandson, William Treber, on Lick Fork, about five miles northeast of West Union, on the Mnysville and Zanesville pike. There were but few settlers here when Mr. Treber came. UAnreftgr those who were here, or came about that lime, was Andrew Ellison, who settled about half a mile southwest, on the farm now owned by Simon Fields, where the old stono hotifle now stands. Daniel Collier, who settled the farm now owned bv Mrs. Andrew Ellison, Duncan MclCiiiscy, Lewis Piatt, and a few others. Mr. Treber first built n cabin, for temporary shelter for his family, but in 1798, he erected a substantial hewed log house and hung out a shingle inscribed "Traveler's Entertainment" This was one of the first taverns opened in Adams county - the Leedem House at Bentonville. perhaps preceded it two or three years. Mr. Treber kept this tavern uutil 1825, when lie traded it to his son Jacob, for bis farm on the Klllenstown ridge. Jacob continued the old tavern until about 1850, when the introduction of railroads had so changed the modes of travel t but country taverns were no longer paying institutions, nnd the "sign" which the winds had swayed to and frti for over fifty years was polled down, and the house offered "travelers entertainment" no more. This building was weather-boarded in 1831, and is to-day, after a lapso of eighty years, in good condition, making a very comfortable, pleasant residence (or its occupants. There are many incidents of historic Interest connected with this old house and Its vicinity. Being on the Maysville and Zanesville roati, which Col. Zanc marked out, this road, the route of travel from the south and the southwest to the eastern 8tntes was over l Ids road. General Jackson passed over It on Ills way to Washington city in 1839, to he inaugurated President. Henry Clay and Thomas H. Benton used to pass this waytoattend tltescssiom of Congress, and both have alcpt within the walls of this old tavern. In 1815. a company of .Kentucky soldiers on llicir way home from the army, after the declarations ot peace, Stopped over night. One of them, named Ziiclmj-iali Moon, being sick, died during the night. His companions remained over a day to bury their dead comrade, which they did with military honors. Though no stono marks the last resting, place of this doad soldier, It has been respected ; no ruthless plow share has over desecrated It. This grave Is about sixty rods northeast of this old dwelling, in the flel.l near the roadside. It is marked by a clump of hushes that with their green foliage, cast a pleasant -bade oirer the spot in' tho summer's heat, whilo the beautiful wild flowers by their mute silence seem to plead ill pity to the passing traveler for sympathy for the quiet sleeper whose rest they seem to guard. About thirty rods southwest of this house along the pike towards West Union is a spot rendered memorable by the death of Asahel Edgingto.i, who was killed there by the Indians in December, 1793. A narrative of this affair is given in another part of this work. Edgington fell near a small cedar tree that stands about a rod from where the pike runs, on the northwest of it. When his friends at Manchester came to look for his body, tlie next day, they found his head stuck upon a pole which was set up near this cedar tree. His remains were gathered up and interred near the creek. In course of time the wearing avyny oftjie land by the red his skeleton, which was again gathered up by hi6 friends.

This man lived in Monroe township, on the west side of Brush creek, near Waggoner's Ripple, on the property afterwards owned by the late John Jones, and still occupied bv bis family. William Florence married the daughter of James Karskadon, of Blue Licks, Kentucky. This Knrskadon appears to have been rather a thriftless kind of a man, fonder of hunting than work, and fonder of whisky than either. He frequently wandered over the country with his gun to hunt, and when he could get it, carried a bottle of wliiskv with him, stopping with friends here and there to stay all night, or to get a meal of victuals. On one of these occasions, h,e made his way to the house of his sonin-law, Florence, but knowing his aversioti to whisky, Karskadon left his bottle out somewhere, but when he wanted to find it, was unable to do so. He accused Florence of having found and concealed it, and demanded its return, and threatened to shoot him if he did not produce the bottle. Florence was unable or unwilling to get it, when his falher-in-law deliberately shot him while standing in his own door, killing him instantly. Karskadon then coolly started on his way home, shooting a squirrel or two, as he traveled aloug. Hi made his way to Wrightsville, where he was arrested before crossing the river. This occurred on the 24th day of June, 1839. Karskadon was lodged in jail, indicted for murder in the first degree, and tried at the September term and found guilty, as charged in the indictment, the jury bringing in their verdict on the afternoon of tho 27th. The court met on the morning of September 28th, and the Sheriff was directed to bring the prisoner into court, to have sentence passed upon him. The Sheriff' presently returned in some consternation, and reported " the prisoner has hung himself, and is dead. " Thus ended the career of James Karskadon-

Murder Of Simon Osman

James Easter and Simon Osman lived neighbors in Jefferson township, not far from the forge dam bridge, where they had lived the greater part of their lives. There had however existed a feud between them for many years, that time could not efface. They had grown to be old men, being sixty-five years of age. The families maintained a like ill-feeling towards each other.

On Saturday, September 28, 1876, the neighbors had gathered at the forge dam bridge, to celebrate its completion bv a picnic, wilh plenty of drink. The Osmans were there, nnd Easter nnd his son John passed with some stack they had sold. After delivering the stock, the Easters returned, crossing over the bridge, where the Osmans bal a restaurant. The old tnan Osman who had been drinking freely, followed Easter, inflicting several blows on him. Easter turned on his assailant with a knife, with which he slabbed him, severing the artery of the left arm. from which Osman died in twenty minutes. In the mean time, two of the young Osmans attacked young Easter, one of them stabbing him witli a carving knife, inflicting a wound that extended from his temple down his face and body nearly to his knees. In the mean time, the old man Easier, hurrying to the assistance of his son, was assailed by one of the young Osmans wilh a fence stake, and knocked down and so severely injured that he never fully recovered from the effects of it. Old matt Osman was carried to his home near hv, a coruSe, and young Easter was many months under the doctor's care.

On the fourth Sunday in June, 1802, there assembled at the house of James Carson, on Soldier Run, a few of the scattering neighbors to hear the gospel preached. At l hist meeting a new church was organized, and seven members united with it. This little band of worshippers who at that early day planted this infant church In the wilderness, deserve to have their names go down to all future generations. They are now dead, but "their memories should live." Their names are Jiunes Carson, Elizabeth Carson, David Thomas, Patrick Killen, Nathaniel Foster, Ptfisclllu Lovejoy and Eve Ellrod.

The house to which these meek and lowly pioneers mad*- their way from their humble cabins, alotig the winding pathamong the forest trees,- that bright, quiet Sunday morning in June, 1802, to usher into existence this new cl. ui-cli. is stilt standing near the. mouth of Soldier Run. It is considerably dilapidated by' the wear of time. It afterwards-passed into ! ift- hands of David Black, and is now the property of his widow, Mrs. Sarah Black. It probably took some little, time to gel the machinery of this church - if we may so speak - into regular running order, -fop it appears that its first clerk was not elected uutil October 9th, 1802, when David Briggs was called to that (M,-itii>n. and it was not until Saturday, February 12th, 1803, that Nathaniel Fosterand James Carson, were appointed the first deacons.- On April 9th, 1803, Elder Thomas Ellrod was unanimously invited to take the pastoral charge of the church. This appear- to have been tiefirst minister regularly called to the charge. At this meeting, Nathaniel Foster and James Carson, were ordained deacon-.

July 9th, 1803, the church agreed to join the Bracken association. Elder Thomas Ellrod wtts appointed to prepare a letter for that purpose, to be presented to the next church meeting for in- ' spection.

August 16th, 1803, Elder Ellrod presented the letter he w;i~ instructed to present for the association, which was approved, and Deacon Foster and Bro. Thomas were directed to hear it to the association,

On July 13th, 1805. "Bro. Pangburn was permitted to preach awhile on trial," and on April 7th, 1810. Bro. Ellrod was permitted to take out license to keep tavern.

Up to 1835, the regular church and business meetings, on Saturdays were generally held at the house of 'Mr. Car-oil.' Imt for preaching or other larger gatherings, were held at Osman's scho.l house, about three-fourths of a mile from Carson's.

In 1835, arrangements were made to build a meeting house, and an acre and ft half of land was purchased from Abraham Newkirk, and in 1836, a comfortable new frame house was built. This deed was made January 29th. 1836, by Abraham Newkirk and Massey Newkirk, his wife, to David Spohn. John Os nail and Wm. F. James, as trustees of the church. The following are complete lists of all the church officers. From tho organization of the church to 1865, there have been the following pastors :

Thomas Ellrod and John Ilarover, twentyyninc years: Jacob Layman, four years ; David Spohn, four years; Hiram Burnet, four years and four months ; E mail Whitney, two years and live months; David Vance, two years ; Hugh 8. Kelley, live years; Mr. Dinkleman, ; F. Fear, .

This church is situated on the road leading from West Union to V oil llgvi lie, three miles from the former place, hut in Tiffin township) It was organized about 1813. wilh tin- I, dinning members, to-wit : ,J. Kssick and wife, M. Shupei-t and wife, C. Slmpert and wife. F. Pflciimcr and wife. kimmerly and wile,

Tile society now numbers hut eignt or leu mcintvi-. Mo-t of the old membership now sleep in the quiet church yard, n tide others have removed to the .far wi st. Tln-ir dv-wiidani- hawforgotten their mother tongue, and mostly united with ditlerent brunches pf English churches. ,

Oak Grove Christian Ciu'Iich

This church is situated near the Oak Grove German M. I Church, before mentioned. It was organized August 12th. In>.. by Elders N. Dtvidson, O. W. Gtirroullc, and U dli.iin Panghuvc. with the following iiiemla-rs, to-wit : Hester l.owe. Sarah Po-tlcwnit, Margaret Russell, Elizabeth Howland, .lonathati Postlnnait. Huldah Lewis, Levi C. llowjnml. Andrew Gultaspic. Sarah Bussell, Sarah L. Gtrlljispie ami Matilda Billiter. In 1868 they procured from James McGovern a lot ol land adjoining tlie property of the German M. E. Church, on which 'hey erected a neat and eoinfortahll^ meeting house. The hulhong is a Iranie. - \ I ' costing $1,200. It wus dedicated in October. ISliS. by the l?ew V Dawson. Joint B. How laud is I 1111 present Deacon.

Kuan k Seaman. - This gentleman, was born in Mnnongulu coil nl v, now West Virginia, September 7th. 1816. came with his parents to Adams county, in 1820, when but tour years old. His father. John Seaman, first came and "looked out " a new counter, and selected Adams county, to which place he afterwards, in 1820 brought his family. He first settled temporarily, about onefourth of a mile east ot West Union, but presently took a lease on a place now known as the Johnson farm, 'About three and a half miles from West Union. Here he moved his family. It required hard work and economy to provide for them, in this new and comparatively unimproved eountry. At the age of sixteen, Frank went forth from the parental roof, to make his way in the world on his own resources, which was the "bone and musle" of his limbs, and a will to use them. He first went nine miles above Portsmouth, and hired to work on the Ohio canal, then building, where lie worked three months, at $13 per month. With this money, he provided himself with some additional clothing, came home, remained a few days, then went to Greenup county, Kentucky, and worked for some time at Darlington's Furnace. He then returned to Adams county, bought a small farm of sixty acres, on which he placed his parents. He was now eighteen years of age. After buying this land and placing his parents upon it, he again returned to Kentucky. In about a year his father died with cholera. Frank hastened home, to look after the interests of his now widowed mother and his sisters. After providing for their support and comfort, he returned agaiu to Kentucky. Having now learned the stone mason trade, he worked for Trimble & Co., doing the mason work for their furnaces. While he was working for this company he married Miss Susan Kane, November 25, 1836. Soon after his marriage, he returned to Adams county, where he continued working at his trade. He worked on several furnaces. In the meantime he saved his earnings, which lie invested in lands, as opportunity offered. In 1855, he quit his trade and turned his attention to farming, since which he has rapidly accumulated property, until he now owns over two thousand five hundred acres of very valuable land - the largest laud owner in Adams county - a striking example of what iudomitable will and unflagging industry may accomplish, even with the most discouraging beginnings. Mr. Seaman resides on the West Union and Cedar Mills pike, about three miles from the former place, where he owns a magnificent farm, which has on it the largest cattle barn in the county, together with a magnificent dwelling and other farm buildings, as will be seen in the engraving that appears in this work. Mr. Seaman has raised a family of twelve children, eight s-ns and four daughters; named John William, Elizabeth Ann, Henry Allen, Mary E., Silas Chase, Wilson Shannon, Sylvester, Sarah Rebecca, Louie Josephine, George, and Francis Marion. Mary E. died at the age of twenty, and a son in earlier years. Seven of the surviving children are married, the other three, Sarah, George and Louie Josephiue, are unmarried, and remain with their parents.

Peter McKenzie. - Duncan McKenzie, the father of Peter McKenzie, was born near Glencoe, Scotland, in 1755. He emigrated to America in 1786, landing in New York, from whence he came west, and settled on the Mingo Bottom, near Steubeuville, Jefferson county, Ohio. He came to this country, bringing with him from his church this cirtificate :

That the bearer hereof, Duncan McKenzie was bom iu Glenkinglass, in the parish of Ardchattan, that lie had resided for the most part of his life within the bounds of said parish, where his moral character has been always unexceptional, inafi'ensive, regular, and free of any scandal and immorality, is attested by

This is to certify that the bearer, Duncan McKenzie, has paid six pounds, as payment of his steerage passage to America, per the Alexander, Capt. Ritchie. John Stuart.

At the time of Mr. McKenzie's arrival on the Mingo Bottom, the country there was in a constant state of alarm from the depradations of the savages, who were plundering and murdering the frontier settlers at every opportunity. The inhabitants were in a state of continual fear. Military organizations had to be kept in constant readiness to repel an assailing foe, or to range the forests to observe the approach of any hostile baud that might he hovering round the infant settlements. Mr. McKenzie at once joined a company oi Rangers, under Cupl. McMuchan, served his time and received the following discharge:

Mr. McKenzie .next emigrated to Manchester, where he arrived in 1791, joined Gen. Massie. and received the bounty of a hundred acres of laud, which he selected on Brush creek, just above the bridge, on the West Union and Cedar Mills pike. In 1795, he married Miss Jane Ellison, daughter of Andrew Ellison, an uncle to the Andrew Ellison who was captured by the Indians at Manchester in 1793. This uncle, however, never left Ireland. Duncan McKenzie with his wife settled on their farm about 1800, where they lived and died. They reared a family of six children, four sons and two daughters. They are now all dead hut the youngest, Peter McKenzie, who is the subject of this sketch. He owns and occupies the old homestead, to which lie has added one hundred acres more by purchase. To give an idea of the way they did business iu the early settling of the country, when there was little or no money in circulation, wc subjoin a copy of a note which was found among i he papers left by Duncan McKenzie, and now in the hands of the surviving son. Peter McKenzie. This note given to Duncan McArthur, afterwards governor ot Ohio, we presume, from the appearance of the writing, is in the Governor's own hand. We append it verbatim.

"I promise to pay, or cause to be paid unto Duncan McArthur, or order, the just and full sum of two deer skins, at five shillings pr. patern, to be paid on or before the twenty-fifth of December next, it being for value received. Given under my hand seal, this first day of September, 1795.

Peter McKenzie was born January 14, 1811, and in 1835, married Miss Susan Boyle, who was a native of Maryland. They are the parents of five children, four sons and one daughter. Two sons survive - the others are deceased. Names of children : John who married Rebecca Moore, in 1873. lie died March 26, 1879, leaving two sons, named Daniel Colentan and John Calvin. Jane, the third child, died October 7th, 1875. She never married. Daniel, the fourth child, married Mary Saterficld. lie died May 5, 1872, leaving three children, two sons and one daughter, named John, Wesley and Anna. The latter is since dead. The oldest, named Duncan, married Mary Jane Bayless, lives at Waggoner's Ripple and farms - has three children, named Laura, Elizabeth, and John Franklin. The son i9 dead. Peter, the youngest son, is not married, but lives with his pareuts.